AN ICONIC anti-crime patrol group is set to be a permanent feature in the community after a successful trial visit last week.

Guardian Angels, a patrol group run by volunteers in cities all over the world, came to the streets of Pitsea and Wickford last week.

Dressed in their identifiable red berets and uniforms, the group teamed up with patrol groups from Essex including Night Angles Pitsea and the Wick Patrol Group.

The organisation is the biggest voluntary street safety patrol in the world, with more than 5,000 members on five continents.

Duncan Lamont, who set up Night Angels Pitsea after growing tired of antisocial behaviour and crime in the area, was pleased with how the Guardian Angels visit went.

The 46-year-old added: “The support from the public and local businesses has been absolutely amazing.

“We took the Guardian Angels to the community centre where they met residents and chatted about what we want to achieve in the area.

“The people think it would be really good to have the Guardian Angels patrol our streets – they feel safe knowing we are out there.”

Guardian Angels confirmed the visit was successful and they will be returning to the areas in the future.

UK Guardian Angels Chief Andreas Schoyen said: “We have had requests of setting up Guardian Angels Chapters from anti-crime organisations in Basildon and Wickford.

“We visited and had a positive meeting with them and were shown around the towns’ crime hotspots.

“We will arrange to visit both areas next month to move forward with plans to establish chapters there.”

Essex Police have said although they know community safety is a top priority for residents, they want to encourage people to do that through joining their Active Citizen scheme.

Inspector Steve Parry, from Basildon Community Policing Team said: “We understand fully that protecting our neighbourhoods will always be a top priority for people in the community, as it is for our officers.    

“Our preference is for people to join our Active Citizen scheme. By being an Active Citizen, members of the public can work alongside us to help tackle local crime and community issues. 

“Police officers conduct high visibility patrols across Basildon, Billericay, Pitsea and Wickford, and we continue to work closely with our partners and the public to keep communities safe. 

“We always urge people to report incidents or information to us either directly or to Crimestoppers anonymously, as we will act on any information given to us.”

Despite this, Mr Lamont added he is hopeful th Guardian Angels will help to make Basildon and surrounding areas a safer place to live.

He added: “I’m hoping that with our Night Angel group, we can change into one organization known as the UK Guardian Angels.

“We are just going through registration and once that happens, we will be patrolling our streets as Guardian Angels. I’m aiming to achieve a safer Pitsea for all our community and a safer Basildon.

“The rapidly-increasing level of crime has to stop eventually and we want to help where we can.”

Residents have thrown their support behind the idea.

Maria Harrison, who lives near Northlands Park, said: “I think what Duncan is doing is a fantastic idea. Not only does it help deter crime and make us feel safer but it boosts community spirit as well.”

To find out more or get involved search Night Angel Patrol Group Pitsea on Facebook.